Derby Homes: Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre

Innovative wetroom showering solutions brand, Impey recently teamed up with longstanding client Derby Homes to give charity, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre a fantastic new makeover.

The showering specialists helped Derby Homes to completely refurbish the bathrooms for the worthy charity by donating eight wetroom floor formers from its unique range.  

The 125 year old Skegness based centre provides five day breaks for disadvantaged children from across the county. The holidays are action-packed allowing children to try different sports, crafts and other activities that help build their confidence and give them the opportunity to make new friends.  

Overview and Solution

Derby Homes commissioned Impey to help with this project due to its history with the company. Impey has provided many bathroom solutions to various Derby Homes projects for years and the Director of Investment and Regeneration, Shaun Bennett says the quality and service from the showering solutions brand is second to none. 

He commented: “We chose Impey for this particular project because we have a longstanding relationship with the brand and we have always been so pleased with both the quality and service provided.”

Level-Dec EasyFit

Impey donated eight of the 900x900 Level-Dec EasyFit for vinyl floors to the Children’s Holiday Centre for its bathroom refurbishment. Four were installed in the girls shower room and four in the boys.

The Level-Dec EasyFit floor former revolutionised wetroom installation as the easiest and most reliable product to achieve the gradient for efficient drainage on a wetroom floor. The product has impressive strength and rigidity which supports up to 300kg without the need to underboard.

The Level-Dec EasyFit can be easily cut with a standard handsaw to fit the exact requirements the customer needs. It comes with a revolutionary 360 degree rotating drain, which makes installation even easier. The drainage point can be adjusted to the most convenient location enabling the installer to avoid any joists/pipework that may pose a problem. 

Confidence

The confidence Derby Homes has in Impey is testament to the product range and Shaun knew the brand would work perfectly with this project.

He commented: “The building is 125 years old but we knew Impey has a reputation for ease of installation and flexibility which gave us the assurance that we could carry out the work in this old building sensitively.”   

“The customer service is second to none and the products’ ease of use, flexibility and convenience never fails us. We couldn’t be happier with Impey.”

“We don’t look for anyone else on the market because we are confident we know we are working with the market leaders from a quality point of view”

This charitable project was done free of charge from all parties, including building materials and labour. Shaun thanked Impey as they played a crucial part in helping to bring the various products together to create these bathrooms.

He said: “It was Impey that helped co-ordinate some of the key components and get other companies on board for the project, such as the flooring and shower providers.”

For technical support please call +44 (0)1460 258682  
 

An Installers guide to inclusive showering

When fitting an inclusive showering area, installers are keen to recognise the relevant design elements and understand how they will benefit the user. Specialist manufacturer and founder of the modern-day wetroom Impey takes a closer look at the choices available when creating inclusive showering solutions in domestic bathrooms.

The increasing level of care in the community, resulting in elderly and disabled residents staying in their own homes for longer, means that the need for home adaptations is rising. Installers who work with Local Authorities or Home Improvement Agencies may have noticed a predicted rise in the number of bathroom adaptations to be carried out during 2017. As a recent report suggests: “In recognition of the rising need for adaptations, central government funding for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) has been increased considerably. In 2016/17 it rose by 79% from £220 million to £394 million and it is projected to increase to over £500 million by 2019/20.”* In addition, those who don’t meet criteria to receive a DFG, are often privately funding their own adaptations and installing an inclusive shower room, in order to maintain a comfortable standard of living within their own homes and prepare for their future needs. 

Installing an Inclusive Shower Room

The design and style of a modern inclusive shower room can vary greatly to cater for the needs of a variety of users, including those with diverse levels of mobilty. Some heavy-need inclusive adaptations are installed to address the specific requirements of a particular user who is elderley or disabled, and can appear somewhat institutional in style. Increasingly, bathroom installations and refurbishments are considered with the idea of future-proofing in mind; incorporating an element of flexibility into the design, but keeping the outward appearance modern.

In the case of a DFG adaptation you may be installing products specified by an Occupational Therapist or Technical Officer. Whereas, with a self-funded adaptation, the customer will need your installation expertise to help decide upon a best-fit solution for their property and needs.

Level Access Wetrooms

Because a wetroom can be installed anywhere within a property (not just on a ground floor), it enables a highly effective use of space, which can be beneficial in smaller properties.

The best type of floor former for a wetroom is determined by the location of the installation. For installation onto a concrete floor opt for a screed template, which offers a quick and easy way to create a drainage gradient for new-pour solid floors. If you choose a model incorporating an easy-to-use click-together matrix template, like the AquaGrade, installation time can be reduced by up to 50%.

For use in upper floors or attic conversions, a prefabricated floor former is lightweight but also offers strength and rigidity. Opting for a model with a built-in drainage gradient and rotating drain plate, will mean it’s easy to avoid joists or existing pipework. Our EasyFit Dec wetroom floor former, can accommodate wheelchair users and carers and withstand a weight of up to 47 stones (300kg), without the necessity for underboarding; saving you time and money. 

Top Fitting Tip:

The success of a wetroom hinges not only on the accurate installation of the wetroom floor former, but, ensuring that the floor is level throughout the room. It’s crucially important because uneven flooring in a wetroom can lead to pooling and/or drainage issues. To enquire further please speak direct to our technical team on 01460 258 682.

Bath-Replacement, Low Level Shower Tray

Removal of a bath frees-up floor space, and offers greater ease of access to an elderly or disabled user. Low level shower trays ensure that users with limited mobility can enter and exit a showering area safely and comfortably. In situations where installation of a wetroom in not possible, users with reduced mobility and disabled users in wheel chairs can opt for an ultra slim shower tray. 

With a step height of only 24mm, Mantis is the lowest tray available on the market and comes in seven sizes, including two bath replacement sizes. The small step height also means it can be accessed by a wheelchair user, with no ramps.

Top Fitting Tip:

Quick to install, Mantis can be fitted above or below ground to suit each user specific location and is supplied with a tile upstand and compatible gravity drainage. With a flow rate of 11 litres per minute, the Mantis can easily be cut down to fit a wall-to-wall space where a bath was previously installed.

Understanding Shower Tray Slip ResistanceWhen selecting a tray for an inclusive shower area, consider slip resistance. Although no shower tray can be classed as 100% slip-resistant, they can be measured and classified according to the level of slip resistance they offer, using a measurement is a called a DIN Rating. The use of DIN 51097 can be incredibly helpful when selecting shower trays for the elderly or less able, as it recreates the showering environment, using barefoot conditions and soapy water as a contaminant. Results are given in a sliding scale from A (most slippery), B and finally C (least slippery). 


The DIN Rating offers the closest test to a true showering environment, and can act as a useful guide to which shower trays are safest in varying situations. To ensure user safety, Impey’s Mantis tray benefits from incorporating a slip resistant satin tread pattern that achieves a DIN 51097 Class ‘B’ on slip resistance.

Shower Screens for Inclusive Showering Areas

Some installations require a glass screen, to minimise splash to other parts of the bathroom. From luxury, full-height glass screens to free-standing half-height options, a variety of shower doors and screens are available which are compatible with both shower tray and wetroom installations and can offer varying degrees of support for less-mobile users and their carers. 

If a glass screen is going to be used, choose thick, toughened safety glass. Screens which include a floor to ceiling support pole can offer added user stability. Impey Supreme glass showerpanels are contemporary and attractive; providing practical support and ease of entry, compatible for use in a wetroom or with a shower tray. 

Also compatible with both wetroom or shower tray installations, half-height shower doors offer considerable benefits for users and carers. They’re a safe and functional option ensuring that carers can communicate with, and assist the showerer, whilst simultaneously staying dry. Half-height shower doors allow maximum space to enter the shower area – ideal for assisted showering or wheelchair users – and are compatible with rails and shower curtains to allow increased privacy when needed. 

We launched the revolutionary Elevate half-height shower door - which lifts clear of the floor when opening and closing; ensuring ease of use for care professionals and users.

Support Rails

Most inclusive adaptations will require a combination of vertical, angled and horizontal support rails to offer maximum safety and security.

From attractive polished stainless steel support rails, ideal for a design-conscious homeowner, to a sturdy Maxi-Grip Plus option which can support up to 150KG and has adjustable angles for ease of use – the kind of rail chosen will vary depending on the needs of the user. 

Top Fitting Tip

Position support rails correctly, to ensure maximum user safety and support. This can often vary depending on individual needs, so it’s important to consult with the user(s), take note of manufacturer’s instructions and consult the Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) website, if further advice is needed.

For more information or advice about installing inclusive bathrooms, visit our website: www.impeyshowers.com/, where you can also book a place on the Impey ‘We Are Wetrooms’ UK training tour.

*Foundations report: The Disabled Facilities Grant Before and after the introduction of the Better Care Fund. June 2016 by Sheila Mackintosh and Philip Leather

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Impey Wetrooms chosen for Cameron Homes development

Cameron Homes’ latest prestige development Bourne Fields, consists of 14 elegant 5-bedroom homes with premium specification. 

Situated in a desirable rural location between Lichfield and Birmingham, the luxury properties, with prices starting at £850,000, boast the finest in open-plan living and up-market new-build design features. Standard features include well-appointed, large shower-rooms and luxurious wetrooms, incorporating showering solutions from Coram Showers and Impey Wetrooms.

Overview

Bourne Fields is a prestigious flagship development launched by established luxury new-build developer Cameron Homes in September 2016. To mirror their ethos of exceptional quality and cutting-edge contemporary design, the developer has included a combination of showering solutions within each of the fourteen properties; incorporating both shower rooms and wetrooms into all of the homes.


Solution

Cameron Homes’ Head Buyer, Craig Floyd was tasked with the specification of luxury showering facilities at the Bourne Fields development.

To remain in-keeping with the modern, high-quality design of the properties, the developer had planned a combination of spacious walk-in showers, contemporary wetrooms and en-suite facilities in each of the prestige homes.

Mr Floyd chose Coram Group UK to supply products for the shower rooms and wetrooms across the development; finding the extensive selection of enclosures, trays, glass panels and floor formers to be an ideal fit for the contemporary family homes. 

The complete showering-solutions portfolio available, made it both simple and cost-effective for Mr Floyd to specify the products needed for the Bourne Fields development. The high-quality nature of the specified products ensured that Cameron Homes could fit with confidence and to the satisfaction of their customers. 

We have been working with Coram Group UK for a significant period of time and find that their selection of products is ideal for the modern, high-quality ethos of our new-build developments.

A wet room is definitely high on the wish list of many of our buyers. And achieving easy installation of the wet rooms in our properties is paramount; making Impey products ideal for our specification.

Coram’s enclosures have been a long-time favourite of Cameron Homes; owing to their modern style and high-quality manufacture. We have used products from all of the Coram Showers ranges and will continue to do so on our future development projects.”

Craig Floyd, Head Buyer, Cameron Homes

Product Choice 

In the eye-catching wetrooms, Impey’s AquaDec floor formers create the ideal drainage gradient, and Impey’s AquaScreen X glass screens give the rooms a stylish, modern look.

Luxurious, minimalist shower rooms at Bourne Fields have been created using Coram’s Premier range of high-quality enclosures and low-profile, Slimline trays.

And a selection of the ensuites also incorporate Coram’s Stylus glass shower panels and easy to install riser shower trays. 






 

Green Acres: Dementia Care Home

Green Acres is a private residential care home, caring for those paitients with dementia. Consisiting of 47 rooms all with ensuites, Green Acres allows for up to 48 residents, with specialist staff and facilties to ensure the highest level of dementia care is available.

Situated in Guernsey, Green Acres was previously a large hotel. It has now been taken into private ownership and converted into a dedicated facility; the only one of its kind in the Channel Islands.  The privately funded refurbishment has been driven by by six individuals, all involved in the medical industry, with high-quality dementia care close to their hearts.
Notable features include attractive accessible wetrooms which incorporate Impey EasyFit Decs, beautifully landscaped gardens, a bar and lounge area, as well as luxurious wood burners throughout.

Overview

A closed hotel since 2012, Green Acres has been transformed into a beautifully renovated private care home, for residents with Dementia. Supporting both families and dementia patients, all staff have undergone specialist training and work with the residents, across all departments of the facility.
Green Acres’ ethos is to offer a comfortable and homely setting to the residents and day visitors; some of whom may eventually transition to living full-time at the home.
Green Acres is accessible to everyone throughout the day, and families are encouraged to visit and take part in daily activities.

Showering Solution

During the refurbishment of the shower rooms, a key priority was to ensure that all products installed at Green Acres worked well with the needs of the end users. Director and Care Manager, Moira Boyd felt that the key to ensuring the wetrooms fitted the criteria was the creation of spacious, light and bright showering areas, which were functional and clutter free.
The renovated rooms were a combination of both concrete and wooden floors, so it was important that installation, time and cost where considered for both flooring surfaces when selecting wetroom products from Impey.

Nigel Netherton, Sales Manager of bathroom and heating supplier DHS, worked closely with the team at Green Acres to supply and install the Impey EasyFit Wetroom Decs. Selected for outstanding versatility and easy installation options, Nigel knew that the EasyFit Decs were available in a large variety of sizes.

Product Choice

With advice from the DHS team, Moira Boyd selected the Impey EasyFit Wetroom Decs with vinyl wastes to create an ideal flooring solution for the Green Acres accessible wetrooms. Manufactured using high glass content, the EasyFit decs are incredibly strong and can withstand weights of up to 47 stone; easily accommodating wheelchair users and their carers. Installation of the EasyFit Dec requires no under-boarding, reducing both installation time and cost for the project; helping to ensure the smooth running and cost effective nature of this private care home conversion.

“The product selected was ideal for our requirements. As this project was a refurbishment, the Impey Decs suited any areas and could be adapted to fit any of the waste pipes that were already in place in the building. This saved greatly on time and costs.”

Moira Boyd, Director & Care Manger, Green Acres Limited

“We worked with Green Acres for 18 months on this exciting project from start to finish. We highly recommended using Impey Wetroom Decs, as we knew they would meet every need that the care home required.”

Elevate and Freeglide: Raising the Bar for Half-Height Doors

Impey’s new and exclusive Elevate and Freeglide half-height shower doors are available from 17 November.

 

Since recent field trials took place, Impey’s Elevate and Freeglide half-height shower doors have been eagerly awaited by the adaptations market.

Elevate and Freeglide are the first half-height shower doors that Impey has released since the company recently took their door design and manufacturing in-house. Boasting top-of-the-range usability and functionality, both models showcase an attractive appearance whilst integrating new and innovative, market-leading features.

Easy-cleaning quick release. An essential aid for hygiene

Double water-tight seals on both Elevate and FreeGlide

Easy opening Elevate door lever

Exclusively available from Impey, both models were designed, streamlined and manufactured by Impey’s sister company, Coram – well known and respected as one of the UK’s foremost shower enclosure producers. The design team has ensured that both Elevate and Freeglide half-height shower doors incorporate a multitude of significant benefits to users and carers, as well as being quick and easy to install.

Bespoke sizes are available for both models, to suit unusual project requirements or non-standard spaces.

Both of Impey’s new half-height doors are ideal for fast and simple specification, with next-day delivery offered on all standard orders.

Combined with a highly-competitive pricing structure, peace of mind is also ensured by Impey’s lifetime guarantee and fully-trained customer care team, who are on hand to offer expert help and advice if needed.

For further information on the doors which are fully compatible with Impey’s extensive product portfolio including slip resistant shower trays, shower seating, Level-Dec wetroom floorformers, support rails, drainage options and bathroom accessories contact your Area Sales Manager or call the sales office on 01460 256 080.

Click here to download theElevate and FreeGlide brochure